"Traditionally, pharmaceutical companies invested their efforts in common cancers that have a low cure rate," Younes said. "Hodgkin lymphoma is not only an uncommon cancer, but also highly curable, so it was neglected by [pharmaceutical companies] for a long time."

The three-year trial began in 2006 with 45 patients, ages 20 to 87, diagnosed with various types of lymphoma (cancer of the lymphatic system), including 42 who had been diagnosed with Hodgkin's disease.

In addition, Younes and his team conducted computed tomography (CT) scans and found 86 percent of the patients saw their tumors shrink. Meanwhile, 81 percent experienced relief of tumor-related symptoms.

How the new drug works
Brentuximab vedotin contains an antibody called anti-CD30 and another agent which binds proteins responsible for cell division (uncontrollable cell division leads to cancer progression).

The antibody targets the drug to stick to the surface of Hodgkin cells and cells associated with other lymphomas, but not to other cells in the body, making medications that target this receptor ideal in treating these diseases, the researchers said.

Rates of women who are opting for preventive mastectomies, such as Angeline Jolie, have increased by an estimated 50 percent in recent years, experts say. But many doctors are puzzled because the operation doesn't carry a 100 percent guarantee, it's major surgery -- and women have other options, from a once-a-day pill to careful monitoring.